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Editors’ Choice Awards, IJL 2017

IJL this week announced the launch of the highly regarded exhibitor Editors’ Choice Awards for 2017. In this ninth year, the competition has been extended to include an exciting new format, together with new categories, to reflect the breadth of innovative and commercial talent across all sectors of the show. Four awards will be judged pre-show with the winners revealed in June, followed by a further four new categories judged during IJL by an extended panel of industry media editors.  The pre-show Editors’ Choice competition is now open for entries, with IJL exhibitors able to nominate their pieces and collections

Three IJL Editors' Choice Pre-Show Winners Announced

The winners of IJL’s very popular and highly regarded exhibitor Editors’ Choice Awards have been announced this week; designer Isabella Liu, The Rock Hound, and Franco Florenzi. Re-launched this year with an exciting new format and inspirational new categories to reflect the breadth of creative flair and innovative design talent at the show, the pre-show winners have been selected by the two judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor and Event Director, Sam Willoughby. Sam Willoughby comments: “These three winning collections really do showcase the best in creative originality, technical finesse and commercial know-how.  Created by a designer,

Dutch jewellery designer only European finalist in JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards

Jewelry designer Alice Sunderland was the only European finalist to win a prize at the annual JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards in the United States. Alice received a ‘silver medal’ in the category ‘Personalized Jewelry’. JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards is considered to be the leading authority within the jewelry industry when it comes to the best and most innovative jewels. Theirs is one of the largest design contests for jewelry designers within the industry. Alice Sunderland was nominated in the category ‘Personalized Jewelry’ with her famed Calendarring.  This special ring consists of 365 sparkling diamonds, placed in 12 rows. Each diamond

Nadine Aysoy makes eye-catching IJL debut

London-based designer Nadine Aysoy made a dazzling IJL debut when she scooped the 2017 Editors Choice 'Show Stoppers' Award for displaying the single most eye-catching exhibit of the show. Her Mille et Une Feuilles 18k rose gold ring, set with one 14mm South Sea Pearl and 164 round-cut diamonds, turned the heads of the judging panel of magazine and digital editors, who praised its leaf design and admired it for having 'drama, intrigue and beautiful craftsmanship.’ “I love Nadine’s aesthetic and the consideration she puts into the market she’s targeting,” one judge commented. “Hers are pieces for grown-ups and designs

Brilliant social media wins Alice Barnes 2017 Industry's Choice Award

Alice Barnes built up a formidable following on social media for her unique paper art jewellery to win the IJL 2017 KickStart ‘Industry’s Choice Award’, beating nine other contenders for the prestigious prize of a complimentary stand in the Design Gallery in 2018. The ten KickStarters went into battle over the summer to win as many votes as possible from the public via social media and an online poll, with the prize awarded at the discretion of the IJL and The National Association of Jewellers.  Showing initiative and enterprise in her use of social media and email marketing, Alice gained

Isabella Liu wins IJL Editor’s Choice Award for Creative Originality

London based  designer Isabella Liu won the International Jewellery London (IJL) Editor’s Choice award for Creative Originality.   Claire Adler, a luxury communications consultant, and Sam Willoughby, the IJL Event Director, selected the awards this month. T he Creative Originality award  is presented to  the brand or designer that impressed the judges with true originality in terms of design, innovative use of materials or striking colour combinations. Isabella Liu was born in China and is now based in London. She founded her own studio in 2014 and is an award winning jewellery designer and artist whose w orks have been

IJL Name Five Editor’s Choice Winners For 2016

The winners of IJL’s popular and hard-fought exhibitors’ competition, Editor’s Choice have been announced.  Chosen for their creative and innovative designs as well as commercial aptitude, the winning line-up includes David Miracca John Moore Jewellery Kickstarter Vicky Lew Samsares Jewelry from Switzerland and Tezer Design from Germany The judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor, and Event Director Sam Willoughby, selected the winners from a range of categories, which included the new category ‘German Style’ - in recognition of the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the Market Focus for 2016.  Image caption or

The IJL Kickstarter ‘Industry's Choice’ Award Now Open For Voting

IJL has announced the launch to choose this year’s ‘Industry’s Choice’ 2017  KickStarter . Now in its fifth year, the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ competition rewards one  KickStarter  with a much sought after complementary stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2018 ,  with   the winning designer will be announced at the show.   IJL Show Director, Sam Willoughby, explains the new format for voting: “This year, once again, we are extremely pleased with our  KickStarters . All ten are extremely talented and very different. I look forward to seeing who comes out tops .  Fingers at the ready

The Longer Long Tail: How Endless Choice is Creating Unlimited Demand

News Edit: 26 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The dreamiest dresses of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week 2020 The Evening Standard: The invitation-only week-long extravaganza is one bursting with the frothiest tulle, the daintiest embroidery and the most meticulous detail, all presented to the eyes of the most revered fashion editors and the wealthiest clients. standard.co.uk They’ve Got Their Gems to Keep Them Warm NY Times: At the high jewelry presentations in chilly Paris, Chanel went for tweed, Dior went for pairs, and Boucheron celebrated the Question Mark. nytimes.com The diamond deal that rocked Angola The Guardian: For

Jewellery fashion will be futuristic, multi-cultural and celebrate the power of nature in SS/20, says IJL

International Jewellery London reveals 6 jewellery trends for SS/20 IJL trends editors and jewellery expert, Paola De Luca, has outlined six key jewellery trend themes for Spring-Summer 2020 for International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. Her vision includes authentic designs that subvert deep-rooted stereotypes with gender, touches on societal pressure with minimalism and brings to life an organic amalgamation of nineteenth century deco with nature; all the while toying with abstract shapes, futuristic expression and dark jewels. These will be showcased on IJL’s SS20 Trends Catwalk where Paola will present her detailed

International Pearl Design Competition 2018

Call for Applications: International Pearl Design Competition 2018 The International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC) was created in 2009 to recognize design excellence with all types of cultured pearls under the authority of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. The Awards are international in scope, and have garnered international recognition for both emerging and seasoned artists from all over the world. The judging process is anonymous, transparent, and confidential. Judges are leaders of the jewelry industry and include retailers, editors, buyers, and pearl jewelry craftsmen. Purpose of the Competition Awards are given to entries that demonstrate high levels of design achievement

News Edit: 16 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Piercing Trends That Will Soon Be Everywhere, According To Celebrity Jeweller Maria Tash The Independent: The Independent caught up with Maria Tash at the launch of her new store. www.independent.co.uk Shopping: The New Brands You Need To Know Including Rokh And Cecilie Bahnsen The Times: These up-and-coming labels are loved by fashion editors and other industry insiders. www.thetimes.co.uk The Fashion Week Street Style Jewellery Trends You Can Copy Immediately Elle: Every year, fashion week gives us a rich abundance of #OOTDs and street style inspiration for the coming season. 

Pamper Your Pooch with The World’s Most Expensive Dog Jacket

With a choice of 24k gold, Swarovski crystals or diamonds you can now kit out your dog with a bejewelled and encrusted 24k gold dog jacket to keep your canine companion blinged up. However, the most expensive doggy jacket in the world has also incorporated nano technology within the specialised fabric to keep working dogs as safe as houses in their daily working lives. Kit out your pooch with 24k gold, diamonds, bows and n ano metallizing technology   Doggy Armour and VeryFirstTo.com have announced the ready to market armoured dog jacket which can be encrusted with a choice of

Christmas Shine with Andrew Geoghegan

Yet again Andrew Geoghegan has presented the luxury consumer with a well heeled choice of delectable jewels this Christmas. The designer has curated his collections to provide a seasonal choice for the most magical time of year. For the cocktail season his flamboyant ode to Versailles, the Chapiteau Paraiba, with its lavish flurry of pink sapphires, aquamarines and pristine diamonds with a distinctive hexagonal setting is the hero piece of the hour.  The Clair de Lune ring with a unique shape, playfully tricking the eye, allows light to bounce from every facet. Set with white diamonds, sapphires, chocolate coloured diamonds or

News Edit: 15 July 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... “It’s very difficult deciding what to bring” – jewellery exhibitor at Masterpiece Antiques Trade Gazette: London jewellery dealership Hancocks has exhibited at Masterpiece since the fair’s inception nine years ago.  www.antiquestradegazette.com Cartier’s Coloratura high jewellery is a celebration of diversity and colour The Telegraph: Oh, to spend a day in Cartier’s stone archive. In my head it’s a gemmology geek’s version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory... www.telegraph.co.uk 10 affordable jewellery brands that fashion editors are obsessed with Accessorising well does not have to cost the earth. www.harpersbazaar.com   Paris' high jewellery

Jewellery & Watch and Fashion will return in 2021

As a reflection on conversations between Hyve, the organiser of Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF), and the community it serves, the show has taken the decision that JWF 2020 will not take place this year and will return as an in-person event in 2021. Hyve have listened to the community and whilst the industry supports JWF, the preferred choice in 2020 is to connect in a virtual environment. They are now working closely with their partners and clients to deliver a unique virtual forum with exclusive seminar content designed to educate and inform. Launching in September, more details will follow

Affordable elegance: Sustainable jeweller Lebrusan Studio unveils new collection of ethical cluster engagement rings

This month, leading ethical jewellery brand  Lebrusan Studio  lifts the lid on its new Daisy collection of delicate cluster engagement rings. Inspired by the iconic Edwardian daisy ring, these timeless pieces are designed to be lightweight and affordable. Cast in the customer’s choice of 100% recycled platinum or 18ct gold, each ring will be encrusted with traceable and conflict-free Canadian diamonds. Set and painstakingly hand-engraved in London’s Hatton Garden, each finished piece will tell a quaint story of enduring design and traditional British craftsmanship. “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail,” says the brand’s award-winning

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair @ Chelsea 2020

Desire at Chelsea 2020 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 28 February - 1 March 2020 This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Exhibitors

News Edit: 30 May 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Pandora says lab-grown diamonds the ethical choice. Not so, say diamond miners. Who’s right? SCMP: Tobias Kormind, of online retailer 77 Diamonds, says diamond miners have largely eliminated shady dealings, and notes that lab-grown stones need a lot of power. www.scmp.com My lightbulb moment: Jewellery designer who created a collection of pearls for the modern woman reveals the inspiration behind her business Daily Mail: Olivia, 40, founded the Olivia & Pearl jewellery brand in 2016. She lives in London with her husband James, a major in the Royal

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern 12 October 2019 - 5 January 2020 Discovery Centre, Winchester Orla Kiely is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful fashion and lifestyle designers. Her stylised plant based patterns are innovative, influential and instantly recognisable. With enchanting applications, he r flat, graphic style and choice of colour palette resonate with a nostalgia for vintage style and interiors.  Inspired by the upbeat exuberance of the 1960s, a love of Irish and Scandinavian architecture and mid-century design, Kiely’s designs have grown from humble beginnings in the 1990s to become a global phenomenon. Date 12 October

News Edit: 7th February 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How powerful women have made jewellery work for them FT: Choice of accessories can be loaded with meaning. www.ft.com How Your Jewellery Origins Might Be Related To Weapon Funding For Terrorists In War-Torn Countries Ed Times: Jewellery is a gift, a piece of integrity often bought as a token of love and thus needs to be treasured. So, it’s very important to note that whenever we make that investment, no matter big or small in monetary terms, do dare to ask about its traceability. edtimes.in Fei Liu’s Artistic

17 of the Best Jewellery Looks from the 2020 Oscars!

Benchpeg brings you a comprehensive look at some of the best jewellery looks of the red carpet at the 2020 Academy Awards. This year, diamonds dominated the red carpet in all their forms, but especially in necklaces.  After several years in hiding, the statement necklace is back with a bang. Rounded shapes cut close to the neckline were a popular choice, worn by Mindy Kaling, Gal Gadot and Greta Gerwig. Pop culture innovators, such as Billie Eilish, bucked the trend by staking reems of jewellery.  Highlights in 2020 were the vintage jewels from the Cartier archives donned by Timothee Chalamet

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2019

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 22nd - 24th November 2019 The Guildhall, Winchester Our mixed discipline Craft In Focus Fair will run alongside the Desire Fair. The two fairs will be in separate halls, but with a single entry fee covering both events. Purchase from a stunning treasure trove of original and affordable designs created by some of the finest craftsmen and artists in the UK. Textiles, paintings, furniture, metal, leather, ceramics, jewellery, glass, fashion and more Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  

News Edit: 28 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Alessandro Michele Has Brought His Magic Touch To Gucci's High Jewellery Vogue: The first high jewellery collection dreamed up by Alessandro Michele has a poetic power that is born of his passion for the past. www.vogue.co.uk Messika: The Beyoncé-Backed Diamond Jeweller Disrupting the Industry Luxury London: In less than two decades, Messika has become a byword for refined yet avant-garde diamond jewellery with joie de vivre and a resolutely modern aesthetic. luxurylondon.co.uk Missoma is the jewellery choice of the young royals Tatler: It's the jewellery brand adored by the young

We like big hearts and we cannot lie

What better way is there to make a statement than with a whole load of heart? This summer we welcome the return of statement-making and colourful pieces versus the dainty and delicate trend that trumped the chic list for so long. The heart motif is an ever-popular choice; from text emoticons, clothing embellishments to tattoo design but possibly the most powerful of all is when it appears in the jewellery we wear. These days, the heart motif can represent a range of core themes from friendship and affection to deep romantic love and devotion. A significant motif in antique jewellery,

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing Lin Cheung references normal, traditional, understated jewellery forms and uses standard materials and techniques, then deftly twists these conventions through subtle subversions. Her work explores the conceptual core of her medium of choice but is far from being overtly cerebral or self-referential: starting from a longstanding preoccupation with jewellery, it opens up observations concerning current affairs, gender issues and the everyday. The show includes works made from a range of materials, such as pearls, quartz, lapis, corian, pink opal, black Belgian marble. According to the artist there is a tension between their aesthetic qualities

Kickstart Winner, Alice Barnes, to exhibit expanded 'Pleated' collection at this year's IJL

Having received the coveted ‘KickStart Industry’s Choice Award’ at last year’s International Jewellery London, Alice Barnes is set to return to the show this September with new additions to her Pleated Collection.  The prize included a complimentary stand at IJL 2018 and Alice will feature alongside some of the industry’s best talent in the prestigious Design Gallery on stand R28. “It was such an honour to win the award last year and I can’t wait to exhibit as an established designer,” says Alice. “As a KickStarter I made some invaluable contacts, gained several new stockists and received some great feedback

Midhurst Contemporary Craft Show 2017

Midhurst Contemporary Craft Show Sussex Guild We are delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of the recently-built Midhurst Rother College – last year’s show proved very popular with visitors and exhibitors alike. Once again highly-skilled designer-makers from Sussex and the adjoining counties will provide a colourful feast of creativity to brighten the dark days of winter. The show is perfectly timed for Christmas shopping and, with over fifty members of The Sussex Guild showing their beautiful and varied work, visitors will be spoilt for choice. The café within the show area will provide light refreshments throughout the

Q&A: Tiffany Browne

Tiffany Browne is a Micro Diamond Setter and has worked on some of the most intricate and luxurious pieces which adorn London's Bond Street. With an unconventional entry into industry, she answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? TB: My name is Tiffany Browne, and I'm (mostly) a diamond setter specialising in very fine, close pavé work which I do under microscope. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? TB: It wasn't the obvious choice for me! I started out studying languages and have an MA in translation. Meeting my husband, whom

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2017

Desire Fair @ Winchester 2017 Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  The fairs present highly talented exhibitors who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  See and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Visitors to Desire have often commented on how they welcome the opportunity of discussing a purchase direct with the maker, and listening to what inspires them in

Garnet for Those January Birth Babies

With the start of a new year and a new month puts one of the most beautiful birthstones in the gemstone limelight. For those of you who are lucky enough to be born in the month of January, you are gifted with the kaleidoscopic birthstone of garnet.  Garnet is a term used to describe a group of closely related silicate minerals which together produce a painter's palette variety of colour. Even today, garnet remains to be the one mineral that displays the largest variety of colour, making it a popular choice across the jewellery industry. 'Garnet' comes from the Middle

Domino Relaunches Revitalised Rosabella Collection

Domino have relaunched a revitalised Rosabella collection. The new Rosabella range now features 25 suites of statement and everyday diamond jewellery, covering a wide range of key carat weights and price points, incorporating both classic and design-led pieces. Commenting on the refreshed collection, Creative Director Naomi Newton-Sherlock said: “Rosabella is one of our most popular collections because of its versatility and wide appeal. We have retained our best-sellers, added new silhouettes and introduced a selection of contemporary design-led pieces. The breadth of style, precious metals and carat weights on offer, means that we can give our customers real choice, in

Enamoured By Enamel Jewellery

Jumpstarting the fashion foray of the A/W '17 style cupboard is the flirty chic element of enamel jewellery. An ancient fashion choice for worldwide style setters, this elegant blend of bright high-gloss hues is the eye-catching trend many designers are leveraging into their new-season collections. Fine enamel jewellery, crafted by blending powered glass to a metal base, has many versatile and vivacious qualities that add an effortless and elegant injection of movement, vibrant colour and sophisticated luminosity to any fashion look.  A perennial wardrobe game-player for A/W 2017, a pop of playful enamel charm can be mixed,  matched and stacked

Top Drawer A/W

Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers, returns to London Olympia on 10-12 September 2017. The Autumn/Winter 2017 edition presents thousands of leading and undiscovered UK and International brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic worlds of Home, Gift, Fashion, Craft, Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season. Food Emporium will make its September debut, adding a delicious selection of the finest giftable food products from the best producers and artisans.  Spotted brings the

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2017

Chelsea Old Town Hall will be the venue for the superb Desire Fair from 3 - 5 March.   This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established

Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair Returns to Winchester

Once again the elegant Guildhall in Winchester will be the venue for a stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event from 11-13 November, where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 70 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.   Comments from visitors to the event last

Talent 2016: Craft Central as part of London Design Festival

As part of the London Design Festival, come and see our choice of top graduate designer makers from across the UK. We have selected 22 superb designer maker graduates to showcase the best in craftsmanship - from furniture to fashion, glass to ceramics and all designed and crafted by them. Take a look at this year’s Talent! 2016 graduates: Alice Heaton – Glass www.aahdesignermaker.co.uk Alison Attwood Ceramics – Ceramics www.instagram.com/alison.attwood AlmaBorealis – Textiles www.almaborealis.com Casabi Designs – Ceramics www.casabidesigns.co.uk CeramicsX – Ceramics www.ceramicsx.co.uk George Riding Studio - Interior Products www.georgeriding.info Isabel Webb - Interior Textiles www.isabelwebb.tumblr.com Jessica Jue – Silversmithing

Handcrafted Wire Findings

Price: £16:54 Why spend hundreds of dollars stocking up on expensive manufactured clasps, jump rings, ear wires, bails, and much more when you can get exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost? Why spend hundreds of dollars stocking up on expensive manufactured clasps, jump rings, ear wires, bails, and much more when you can get exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost? With Handcrafted Wire Findings you can learn how to make all of these things and more with your choice of materials. From sterling silver, fine silver,

Carmarthen School of Art - Coleg Sir Gâr

Established in 1965, the Foundation programme at  Carmarthen  has a national reputation for excellence. It offers learners the opportunity to explore a diverse range of  art  and design options to enable them, through experience, to make an informed choice about future education, training and employment progression.   HERITAGE Carmarthen School of Art has been providing Art education since 1854, being one of the first Art Schools set up in Britain following the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in London. The School has been continually evolving ever since, responding to social, creative and cultural developments and the changing needs of its

News Edit: 11 September 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   My Favourite Pieces: Jacqueline Gestetner’s top five pieces from a lifetime of collecting FT: The woman behind the Jacqueline’s Choice events picks items including a stylish Emmeline necklace and a Barbara Crowe bangle bought in the Sixties. ft.com Art of the experimental: young Chinese jewellery designers to watch FT: Emerging talents are producing innovative, dynamically coloured high jewellery pieces. ft.com 'A year ago I was unhappy in my job, but now I've made £200,000 from jewellery' The Daily Mirror: A mum-of-two has managed to take her handmade jewellery

Top Drawer 2018

Top Drawer Spring/Summer 18 Edition SPRING/ SUMMER 18 14 - 16 January 2018  Olympia, London Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers returns to London Olympia on 14-16 January 2018. The Spring/Summer 18 edition will present over 1,500 leading and undiscovered UK and international brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children’s, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season.  The S/S18